Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, when he plans to reach a decision on covid-19 booster vaccinations; by what date guidance on that matter will be issued to NHS delivery teams for planning purposes; how much time he plans to provide for local planning ahead of a booster campaign; and if he will make a statement.

To ensure ongoing protection from COVID-19 for the United Kingdom population, we are working closely with NHS England on preparing for a potential booster vaccination programme from the autumn. Whilst we are planning for several potential scenarios, final decisions on the timing and scope of the booster programme in terms of when to give boosters to which groups and with which vaccines will not be taken until later this year.

Any decision on a booster vaccination programme will be informed by independent advice from the Joint Committee for Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI). The JCVI will review the emerging scientific evidence, alongside data supplied by manufacturers, to inform the Government in our decision-making process on when to give boosters to which groups and with which vaccines.

We are continuing to work closely with NHS England to support regions and local systems with planning to ensure we are prepared to begin the rollout of any booster programme.